Usyk, Harlan, Matvienko, Howard Buffett: Zelensky awarded “legends of Ukraine”
23 August 2024 07:21
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On the eve of the National Flag Day and Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska presented state awards to Ukrainians who glorify our country around the world and at the same time inspire Ukrainian soldiers. The President announced this on social media, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“It is an honour for me to award the true legends of Ukraine today. We glorify everyone who strengthens our soldiers, strengthens them every day and inspires them. These are the people who glorify Ukraine by strengthening our defence and inspiring all citizens of Ukraine… We are immensely grateful and very happy to live in a country that has united such respected and talented people,” Zelensky said.
This year, the President honoured 11 people with the National Legend of Ukraine award.
Outstanding composer, People’s Artist and Hero of Ukraine Igor Poklad. He is the author of more than 150 songs, musical performances, and scores for more than 40 Ukrainian films and animated films.
Oleg Korostelev, General Designer and Director General of the Luch Design Bureau, full holder of the Order of Merit, Hero of Ukraine. He was directly involved in the development of Stugna, Vilkha and the Neptune rocket.
The most titled Ukrainian athlete: two-time Olympic sabre fencing champion, six-time world champion, eight-time European champion Olga Harlan.
The doctor is thoracic surgeon Vitaliy Khmel. Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, he has performed more than a hundred highly complex surgeries on wounded soldiers and saved the lives of more than 50 defenders during evacuation flights.
Brigadier General of the SBU Military Counterintelligence Ivan Lukashevych, call sign Hunter. The ideologist behind the creation of Sea Baby marine drones. The developer of the Lord of the Horizon sniper rifle, which set a world record for the most accurate shot at the occupier from a distance of 3800 metres.
Iryna Yurchenko, a conductor of Ukrzaliznytsia. on 25 February 2022, she went on duty and worked on evacuation flights for weeks. At the time, her son Dmytro Kozatskyi, with the call sign Orest, was holding the line at Azovstal in Mariupol.
Ukrainian painter, graphic artist and monumentalist, honorary member of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine Oleksandr Dubovyk. He is a representative of the “unofficial” art of the Soviet era. The author’s works are kept in the National Art Museum of Ukraine, museums in the USA, Germany and in private collections.
Howard Buffett is an American businessman, philanthropist, and the largest private donor to Ukraine. His foundation has spent more than $500 million to help Ukrainians. These funds were used, among other things, to provide food to the victims, restore buildings, help farmers, train sappers, and provide prosthetics to veterans.
Oleksandr Usyk, Ukrainian boxer, Olympic champion and absolute world heavyweight champion. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his foundation has been helping affected families. He has held seven charity auctions and transferred about USD 740 thousand to support the Ukrainian army.
Sergei Parajanov and Nina Matvienko were posthumously awarded the prize.
Sergei Parajanov was a Ukrainian and Armenian film director and screenwriter. He created almost 20 feature films and documentaries. His film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors has won 39 international awards and 28 prizes at film festivals around the world.
Nina Matvienko is a People’s Artist of Ukraine, Hero of Ukraine. Her repertoire includes many folk songs. She has also written books, performed in TV and radio shows, and toured the USA, Canada, France, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, and Latin America.
The National Legend of Ukraine award was introduced in 2021. Since then, the President has annually awarded this award to people who have made a contribution to the establishment of independent Ukraine and the defence of our country, the development of the national economy, science, education, culture, art, sports, healthcare, as well as for active charitable and public activities.
The full TV version of the award ceremony will be broadcast on the national telethon “United News” on 25 August.
